Automatic pet blanket

ABSTRACT

The invention is a new pet blanket that drapes around an animal in an outdoor kennel. The invention is installed in a pet kennel or animal enclosure. It comprises bundles of fabric that are attached to a platform or attached directly to the ceiling of a kennel. The attachment means comprises a Velcro® connection means or a mechanical safety snap connection means. The blanket fabric may be cotton, wool, a synthetic blend, or other suitable material, shaped into strands and gathered into bundles. The bundles of fabric hang down loosely from the ceiling or supporting platform, to within one to three inches from the floor of the kennel or animal stall. The bundles of fabric are spaced to allow the animal to move about freely in the kennel. At the same time, the bundles of fabric automatically provide a blanket that shelters the animal from the outside elements.

[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/685454, filedOct. 9, 2000. The prior application (Ser. No. 09/685454) is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to protective coverings and/or blankets fordomesticated animals that are kept in a kennel, stall, or alternativehousing.

BACKGROUND

[0003] People have kept domesticated animals throughout recordedhistory. Among domesticated animals, dogs have been favored ascompanions, as work or guard dogs, or for a combination of purposes.Through familiarity, many dog owners come to regard their pets as partof the family; deserving of comfortable accommodations that other familymembers enjoy.

[0004] Dogs kept outdoors require an outdoor doghouse or kennel orsimilar enclosure for shelter from the elements and for resting andsleeping. In addition, a dog needs a blanket or cover during coldweather. Traditionally, pet covers are placed on top of an animal by theowner or caretaker. But when the animal moves about inside a doghouse orkennel, the cover is displaced. Ordinary blankets that lie on top of theanimal are not stable enough for the animal to try to cover itself up byburroughing under the blanket. Moreover, animals with a disability (agait abnormality or hip problem, for instance) may be further harmed bygetting entangled in the blanket as they change positions.

[0005] The animal blankets and covers on the market offer few, if any,options for keeping the family dog warm and protected from harshelements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Dogs and many other animals love dens because of the protectionand feeling of safety the dens give them. In the wild, animals dig andbuild dens; living with people, they typically sleep under a blanket.This invention resembles a den where the animal is protected on allsides. The animal is practically hugged by soft materials that keep itwarm and safe. At the same time, the animal is unrestricted and can moveabout freely.

[0007] The Automatic Pet Blanket is a hanging animal cover. Bundles offabric hang down loosely from a platform or from the ceiling of thedog's kennel to within one to three inches from the floor of the kennelor stall. Spacing of the bundles allows the animal to pass freely intoor from a kennel or stall. The movable strips of fabric automaticallycover the animal, providing warmth without heavy weight and providingprotection from light, wind, cold air, blowing rain, and snow. This newblanket allows the animal to enter the kennel, to move about inside orgo outside for water or food or to relieve itself. With an automatichanging cover, the pet that moves about in the kennel does not becomeuncovered.

[0008] Ventilation is provided by the flow of air through the strands offabric. Fewer bundles of fabric allow for greater ventilation and acooler kennel. However, fewer bundles of fabric also provide lessprotection against light, wind, cold air, blowing rain, and snow.

[0009] For the Automatic Pet Blanket, bundled strips of fabric may beattached to a platform-made of plastic, metal, or wood. The platform maybe mounted on the ceiling or sidewalls of a kennel or individual animalshelter or stall. The platform may also be free-standing (with attachedlegs) within an existing animal shelter or stall. Alternatively, thebundles of fabric may be directly attached to the kennel ceiling.

[0010] The means for attaching the bundles to the platform or theceiling may be a means for connecting Velcro® or a means for connectinga mechanical safety snap. Either type of connection means will allow thefabric bundles to drape over a moving animal without becoming detached.Also, the spacing of the bundles can be modified for particularapplications.

[0011] Advantages of the invention include the following

[0012] (1) The Automatic Pet Blanket operates by itself to cover a petas it enters a kennel or stall without assistance from the animal owneror caretaker.

[0013] (2) The Automatic Pet Blanket adjusts to the movement of theanimal in its kennel or stall, without uncovering the moving animal orrestricting its movements.

[0014] (3) The Automatic Pet Blanket protects against light, wind, coldair, rain, and snow.

[0015] (4) Fabrics impregnated with antibacterial, antifungal,antiviral, anti-parasitic or insecticidal chemicals can be components ofthe cover; thus the Automatic Pet Blanket may protect or treat theanimal against common diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.

[0016] (5) The Automatic Pet Blanket permits ventilation within thekennel or stall while it provides protection from the elements.

[0017] (6) The blanket provides clearance from the floor of the kenneland, therefore, promotes sanitation within the animal enclosure.

[0018] (7) The thickness and texture of the hanging bundles of fabricmay be adjusted for the season and weather in different climateconditions.

[0019] (8) The texture and weight of the hanging blanket may be adjustedfor the animal coat and for a variety of domesticated four-leggedanimals.

[0020] Objectives of the invention include the following

[0021] The primary objective is to create a blanket through which andunder which a pet may move about and change its position withoutremoving the cover. Similarly, the pet may enter or leave the kennelwithout displacing the blanket cover.

[0022] A closely related objective is to create an automaticself-covering pet blanket that provides warmth and protection for ananimal in a kennel, dog house, or stall.

[0023] Another related objective is to overcome the disadvantage ofexisting blankets that lie on top or over the animal's body as it restsand may be disturbed or removed as the animal moves about.

[0024] Another related objective is to provide an automatic blanket thatcan be adapted to the size and structure of four-legged animals,especially dogs and horses with varying thicknesses of animal coats.

[0025] Another objective is to create sanitary conditions within thekennel, dog house, or stall by keeping the bottom of the blanket fromreaching or touching the floor of the kennel or stall.

[0026] Another objective is to provide ventilation while at the sametime provide protection from weather conditions such as cold, wind,rain, and snow.

[0027] Another objective is to create an Automatic Pet Blanket that issimple and economical to manufacture.

[0028] Another objective is to provide a support apparatus or platformfor the blanket that is structurally uncomplicated and easy to installduring manufacture or in an already existing kennel or animal stall bythe animal owner or caretaker.

[0029] Another important objective is to create an Automatic Pet Blanketthat is wear-resistant, easy to maintain, easy to remove (for cleaning),and replaceable with minimal effort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 shows a front plan view of a dog positioned inside thekennel which contains the platform and the Velcro connection means forthe bundles of fabric.

[0031]FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a single bundle of fabric withthe Velcro connection means.

[0032]FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the bundles of fabricattached directly to the ceiling of the kennel through the Velcroconnection means.

[0033]FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the bundles of fabricattached directly to the ceiling of the kennel through the mechanicalsafety snap connection means.

[0034]FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of a single bundle of fabric withthe mechanical safety snap connection means.

[0035]FIG. 6 shows a bundle of fabric positioned in relation to theplastic receptacle.

[0036]FIG. 7 shows an alternative plastic safety hook in the unlocked(open) position.

[0037]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the platform with itscross-links.

[0038]FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a flat board (analternative embodiment of the platform) with a Velcro layer attached tothe under surface of the board.

[0039] Similar reference characters denote corresponding featuresconsistently throughout the attached drawings. The figures are not drawnto scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040]FIGS. 1 through 8 show the bundles of fabric, the platform, andthe means for attaching the bundles to the platform or directly to thekennel ceiling. Two different kinds of attachment means may be used: aVelcro connection means as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, and a mechanicalsafety snap connection means as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The bundles 2may be attached to a platform 4 as shown in FIG. 1, or the bundles maybe attached to the kennel ceiling 6 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Theattachment modes for the bundles are a Velcro connection means (shown inFIG. 2) and a mechanical safety snap connection means (shown in FIG. 5).

[0041] The fabric may be cotton, wool, synthetic, plastic, a wovenblend, or other suitable material. The fabric may be shaped into strands8, which are cut into flat strips or rounded or other shapes. Thestrands are gathered into bundles that are attached to the connectors infixed linear or swirling sets of bundles. The bundles of fabric may beapproximately 2 inches in diameter and 4 to 27 inches in length. Thenumber, length, and diameter of the bundles vary depending on the sizeof the kennel and size of the dog.

[0042] The type of fabric and the thickness of the bundled fabric may beadapted to the weather. Because the fabric is attached by Velcro orremovable connectors, the fabric may be changed according to season (forinstance, wool in winter and cotton in spring or fall). The thickness ofthe blanket may be changed by adding connectors with attached fabric.Spacing the connectors and fabric in different ways can provide greateror lesser warmth and protection.

[0043] A distance of one to three inches between the bottom of thestrands of fabric and the floor of the kennel keeps the cover sanitary.The fabric does not touch the floor of the kennel or animal enclosure asshown in FIG. 1. The exact distance from the floor may vary with thesize of the animal. Sanitary conditions can be maintained since thefabric may be easily removed from the matrix or kennel ceiling. Thefabric may be washed (laundered) or professionally cleaned, asappropriate. The fabric may be impregnated with non-toxic anti-bacterialchemical agents that inhibit or prevent growth or presence of bacteria,viruses, insects, parasites, flees, and funguses. The fabric may bedesigned to be partly or fully elastic, to allow for stretching by theanimal and to prevent tearing.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the bundles of fabric are 4-plycotton yarn, with the individual strands in a round cylindrical shape.FIG. 1 shows the strands hanging from the ceiling or platform anddraping over the dog. The fabric allows easy movement of the dog insidethe kennel while protecting the dog from the outside environment.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the connection means (shown in FIGS.1, 2, and 3) comprises industrial strength Velcro. Commerciallyavailable Velcro with Sticky Back® may be used. The product Velcro hastwo opposing substrates. As shown in FIG. 2, the first opposingsubstrate comprises a front surface 10 with thousands of minute fiberhook-shaped structures in it, and a back surface 12 of Sticky Back. TheSticky Back contains a self-adhesive that adheres to many, if not most,cloth and metal composite structures. The second opposing substratecomprises a front surface 14 with thousands of minute fiber loop-shapedstructures in it, and a back surface 16 of Sticky Back (which is thesame type of material as on the back surface of the first opposingsubstrate). When the two opposing substrates come into physical contact,the hooks cling to the loops as the tiny hook-shaped fibers catchthrough the tiny loop-shaped fibers. Pressing the two Velcro substratestogether makes the Velcro connection.

[0046] Peeling apart the two opposing substrates enables the hook-shapedfibers to be pulled from the loop-shaped fibers and breaks the Velcroconnection. (In this way, bundles of fabric may be removed from thematrix or ceiling.)

[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the first opposing substrate isattached to the bundle of fabric on the back surface by applying theSticky Back material to the bundle. The center area 18 of the bundle offabric is the actual place where the back surface of Sticky Back (of thefirst opposing substrate) is attached. The front surface remains exposedand available for connection to a corresponding opposing Velcrosubstrate. The back surface of the second opposing substrate (whichcontains the self-adhesive Sticky Back) is applied to the under surface20 of the platform or ceiling of the kennel. The Sticky Back providesthe bonding mechanism for attachment to the platform or ceiling; thefront surface of the second opposing substrate remains exposed.

[0048] Once the two front surfaces with the open exposed loop-shapedstructures and hook-shaped structures come into physical contact, aconnection is made. Through this Velcro connection means, the bundle offabric hangs down from the ceiling or matrix of the kennel.

[0049]FIG. 8 shows the platform with the under surface and thecross-links 22 (that are the points of intersection of grid patterns).The back surface of one of the opposing substrates (with Sticky Back) isactually bonded to the under surface at the location of a specificcross-link. In the preferred embodiment, the first opposing surfacecomprises the hook-shaped structures and the second opposing surfacecomprises the loop-shaped structures. However, these two structures canbe interchanged and the Velcro connection effect still obtained.

[0050] In a similar manner, the Velcro connection means may be used toattach bundles directly to the kennel ceiling (as in FIG. 3), therebyallowing the bundles of fabric to hang down from the ceiling.

[0051] Alternative to the Velcro connection means is a mechanical safetysnap connection means as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 5, themechanical safety snap connection means comprises a plastic receptacle24, a safety hook 26, and a plastic retainer 28.

[0052]FIG. 6 shows the plastic receptacle which comprises a largerplastic loop 30 and a smaller plastic loop 32 that are bonded together.The larger plastic loop has a diameter of 2 inches and the smallerplastic loop has a diameter of ½ inch. Standard commercially availableplastic loops may be used in creating the plastic receptacle. The twoloops are bonded together with a suitable commercial industrial gradeadhesive, and the bond exists over an area 34 that is approximately ⅛square inch along one edge of both plastic loops. The bundles of fabricare placed inside the larger plastic loop (of the plastic receptacle)which in turn is wrapped tightly around the center of the bundles. Aspray adhesive may be applied to both the plastic loop and the bundle offabric to ensure that the bundle is bound together and bound to thesafety hook. The spray adhesive may be a commercially available aerosoladhesive. Applying the spray adhesive prevents individual strands of thefabric from slipping or sliding in the safety hook.

[0053] After a bundle of fabric is positioned inside the larger plasticloop, the smaller plastic loop of the plastic receptacle is placedinside the safety hook, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0054] The safety hook has a key feature: the self-locking of thej-clamp structure. In the locked (closed) position there are no sharpexposed edges or openings through which the bundles of fabric can slip.The physical dimensions of the safety hook are approximately 1½ incheslong and approximately 1 inch wide. In the preferred embodiments, thesafety hook is an oval smooth structure, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Inan alternative embodiment (shown in FIG. 7), the safety hook can be anoblong/elliptical structure, or a modified “hourglass” type ofstructure. FIG. 7 shows the safety hook in the unlocked (open) position.

[0055] Preferably, the safety hook is composed of a plastic material. Inalternative embodiments, the safety hook can be composed of metal or acomposite material.

[0056] The plastic retainer comprises a closed plastic loop 36 and aplastic rectangular backing 38 that is attached to the loop by asuitable mechanical or adhesive method. The loop may be approximately 2inches in diameter and the backing may be approximately 1 to 2 inches inlength or width. Generally, the loop and backing are sized and shapedappropriately to match the size and shape of the safety hook that ischosen for a particular application. On the ceiling of the kennel or onthe under surface of the platform, the plastic retainer is attached byusing double mounting tape across the flat surface 40 of the backing.

[0057] The safety hook (which already contains the smaller plastic loopof the plastic receptacle) is connected to a corresponding plasticretainer. Specifically, the safety hook is opened over the plasticretainer's loop and then closed so that the safety hook is self-lockedand the bundles of fabric hang down.

[0058] As stated above, a platform (as shown in FIG. 8) may or may notbe used as part of this invention. In the preferred embodiment whichcomprises a platform, the platform is made of a hard plastic board. Thedimensions of the platform are 36 inches long, 26 inches wide, andapproximately ½ inches in thickness (which correspond to the dimensionsof a medium-sized dog house). The platform has four sides 42, with holes44 on each of the four sides. The holes are available for screwing theplatform to the walls of the kennel. Preferably, there are two holes oneach side of the platform and each of the holes is about ¼ inch indiameter and 1 inch in depth. The cross-links are 2 to 4 inches in widthto match the size of the backing of the plastic receptacle. The lengthof the cross-links matches the length of the platform or correspondinglythe width of the platform.

[0059] The platform is suspended below the roof of the kennel andattached to the sidewalls of the kennel. Screws 46 (shown in FIG. 1) areplaced in the holes and attached to screw/bolt combinations on thesidewalls of the kennel. In the preferred embodiment, 8 screws are used;that is, there are two screws and consequently two attachments on eachof the four sides of the platform. The screws fit into correspondingwall holes that physically align with the platform holes. In thismanner, the screws are used to attach the platform to the kennelsidewalls. (In alternative embodiments, one screw per side may be used.)

[0060] Once screws are placed in position and physically link theplatform to the sidewalls, a suitable adhesive may be applied to thearea surrounding the screws and the hole openings. Several suitablecommercial adhesives are available to provide a “gap filler” or “liquidnut/bolt locker” or “threadlocker.” Any one of these products can beused to ensure a permanent attachment at the location of the screws(which are inside the holes and physically link the platform to thesidewalls).

[0061] Specific locations on the platform or kennel ceiling are selectedfor hanging the bundles of fabric, depending on the particular animaland application.

[0062] Extra Embodiments

[0063] In the preferred embodiments, the dimensions for the platform,attachment means, and bundles of fabric are based upon a typicalmedium-sized commercial dog kennel. For larger kennels, the dimensionsof the individual components may be increased. Likewise, for smallerkennels, the dimensions of the individual components may becorrespondingly decreased. At least one bundle of fabric is required; inthe preferred embodiments, there are a plurality of bundles.

[0064] In FIG. 9, the platform comprises a flat solid board, which is analternative to the preferred embodiment discussed above. (There are nocross-links or open spaces in the board.) The board has an under surface48 to which a Velcro layer 50 may be attached. This Velcro layeressentially corresponds to the second opposing surface that is discussedin terms of the preferred embodiments. The Velcro layer can lie acrossthe entire length of the board or lie in sections along the board, asspecified above in the preferred embodiments containing the Velcroconnection means (for the applications involving either the platform orceiling). The dimensions of the board may correspond to the dimensionslisted above for the preferred embodiments, that is, 36 inches long, 26inches wide and ½ inches in thickness.

[0065] If the board does not contain the Velcro layer, the mechanicalsnap connection means may be used to attach bundles of fabric to theunder surface of the board.

[0066] Another alternative embodiment includes attaching at least onebundle and preferably a plurality of bundles of fabric along a bar.Then, the bar is attached to a platform or ceiling through a mechanicalsafety snap connection means (as disclosed in the preferredembodiments).

[0067] A third alternative embodiment includes using a conventionalmotorized means for hoisting or elevating a platform which supportsbundles of fabric. A typical rotor motor or conventional pulley/levertechnique maybe used to position a platform in an area where an animalis housed.

[0068] The Automatic Pet Blanket may be built into new kennels as theyare manufactured. Platforms of different sizes and shapes can be made tofit into already existing kennels. They can be attached to the ceiling,or they can be supported by columns or legs that are positioned near thecorners of the kennel. They can be constructed inside the kennelpermanently or attached by removable brackets. They can be taken apartor dismantled and moved to another kennel, or they can providefree-standing protection for an animal. Also, the kennel ceiling surfacecan have a variety of shapes, not only flat and rectangular.

[0069] Applications of the Automatic Pet Blanket can be made forbarnyard animals or livestock or other animals that need protection fromthe elements.

[0070] Horses, for example, need protection from the elements, and anautomatic blanket cover can be designed for horses. Typically, a horsewants its head and hind quarters uncovered and free of encumbrances. Ahorse would balk at walking into or through strands of overhangingfabric. Consequently, an automatic blanket cover designed for a horse,using the principles of construction for the Automatic Pet Blanket,would be moved onto the animal rather than having the animal walk headfirst through hanging strands of fabric.

[0071] In a stall or stable or in a horse trailer, a movable automaticcover, powered by an engine or by hand, can be lowered on both sides ofthe animal and then drawn together from the two sides to cover the bodyof the animal, leaving the head and hind quarters uncovered.

[0072] An automatic blanket cover for a horse of other large animal canbe designed in either of two ways:

[0073] (A) By attaching bundles or strands of fabric to individual rodsconnected to an engine; as the engine powers the rods, the strands offabric are lowered downward to cover the animal or pulled upward toremove the cover.

[0074] (B) By raising or lowering the entire platform (with fabricbundles or strands attached) by means of an engine, and then adjustingthe fabric to cover or uncover the animal in a separate procedure.

[0075] Both the Automatic Pet Blanket and the automatic blanketadaptation for large animals have potential uses by individual animalowners, in animal hospitals, on farms or ranches, in a zoo, and byentertainers with animal performers.

[0076] Commercially available products may be used in the process ofmaking the Automatic Pet Blanket. The invention is not limited to anyspecific commercially available products. In all cases, generic productsor other commercially available products may be substituted.

[0077] In its commercial embodiments, the present invention will be madeavailable in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials to accommodatedifferent applications. The scope of the invention is not limited to anyof the physical dimensions specified in the preferred embodiments. Also,the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above,but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hanging animal cover, the cover comprising: (a)at least one bundle of fabric; (b) a platform of material, the platformcomprising an under surface; and (c) means for attaching the bundle tothe under surface of the platform whereby the animal is covered by thebundle of fabric.
 2. A cover as recited in claim 1, wherein theattachment means comprises a material for connection, the materialcomprising a first opposing substrate and a second opposing substrate,(a) the first opposing substrate comprising a front surface withthousands of minute fiber hook-shaped structures and a back surfacecomprising a self-adhesive, and (b) the second opposing substratecomprising a front surface with thousands of minute fiber loop-shapedstructures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive.
 3. A cover asrecited in claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises means forconnecting a mechanical safety snap.
 4. A cover as recited in claim 3,wherein the mechanical safety snap connection means comprises a plasticretainer, a safety hook, and a plastic receptacle wherein (a) theplastic retainer is connected to the under surface of the platform; (b)the safety hook is connected to the plastic retainer; and (c) theplastic receptacle is connected to the safety hook.
 5. A cover asrecited in claim 4, wherein (a) the plastic receptacle comprises alarger plastic loop and a smaller plastic loop, the larger loop and thesmaller loop bonded together with an adhesive; (b) the bundle of fabricis positioned inside the larger loop of the plastic receptacle; (c) thesmaller loop of the plastic receptacle is positioned inside the safetyhook; (d) the safety hook comprises a j-clamp self-locking mechanism;and (e) the plastic retainer comprises a closed plastic loop.
 6. A coveras recited in claim 1, wherein the platform further comprisescross-links.
 7. A cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the platformfurther comprises a flat board.
 8. A hanging animal cover, the covercomprising: (a) at least one bundle of fabric; (b) a ceiling on anenclosure; and (c) means for attaching the bundle to the ceiling wherebythe animal is covered by the bundle of fabric.
 9. A cover as recited inclaim 8, wherein the attachment means comprises a material forconnection, the material comprising a first opposing substrate and asecond opposing substrate, (a) the first opposing substrate comprising afront surface with thousands of minute fiber hook-shaped structures anda back surface comprising a self-adhesive, and (b) the second opposingsubstrate comprising a front surface with thousands of minute fiberloop-shaped structures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive.10. A cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the attachment meanscomprises means for connecting a mechanical safety snap.
 11. A cover asrecited in claim 10, wherein the mechanical safety snap connection meanscomprises a plastic retainer, a safety hook, and a plastic receptaclewherein (a) the plastic retainer is connected to the ceiling; (b) thesafety hook is connected to the plastic retainer; and (c) the plasticreceptacle is connected to the safety hook.
 12. A cover as recited inclaim 8, wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of ofcotton, polyester, wool, and a synthetic blend of woven material.
 13. Amethod of making a hanging animal cover, the method comprising: (a)creating at least one bundle of fabric; (b) obtaining a platform ofmaterial, the platform comprising an under surface; and (c) attachingwith a means, the means for attaching the bundle of fabric to the undersurface of the platform.
 14. A method of making a hanging animal coveras recited in claim 13, wherein (a) the attachment means comprises amaterial for connection, the material comprising a first opposingsubstrate and a second opposing substrate, the first opposing substratecomprising a front surface with thousands of minute fiber hook-shapedstructures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive, and the secondopposing substrate comprising a front surface with thousands of minutefiber loop-shaped structures and a back surface comprising aself-adhesive; (b) the bundle of fabric comprises a center area; (c) theself-adhesive of the back surface of the first opposing substrate isattached to the center area of the bundle of fabric; (d) theself-adhesive of the back surface of the second opposing substrate isattached to the under surface of the platform; and (e) the front surfaceof the first opposing substrate is attached to the front surface of thesecond opposing substrate.
 15. A method of making a hanging animal coveras recited in claim 13, wherein the attachment means comprises means forconnecting a mechanical safety snap, the mechanical safety snapconnection means comprising a plastic retainer, a safety hook, and aplastic receptacle, the plastic receptacle comprising a larger plasticloop and a smaller plastic loop, wherein (a) the bundle of fabric ispositioned inside the larger plastic loop of the plastic receptacle; (b)the smaller loop of the plastic receptacle is positioned inside thesafety hook; (c) the safety hook is connected to the plastic retainer;and (d) the plastic retainer is attached to the under surface of theplatform.
 16. An apparatus for covering an animal, the apparatuscomprising at least one bundle of fabric, a platform of material, theplatform comprising an under surface, and means for attaching the bundleto the under surface of the platform, wherein the animal is free to moveabout, and wherein the animal is covered by the bundle of fabric.
 17. Anapparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the attachment means comprisesmeans for connecting a mechanical safety snap.
 18. An apparatus asrecited in claim 16, wherein the attachment means comprises a materialfor connection, the material comprising a first opposing substrate and asecond opposing substrate, (a) the first opposing substrate comprising afront surface with thousands of minute fiber hook-shaped structures anda back surface comprising a self-adhesive, and (b) the second opposingsubstrate comprising a front surface with thousands of minute fiberloop-shaped structures and a back surface comprising a self-adhesive.19. An apparatus for covering an animal freely moving about, theapparatus comprising at least one bundle of fabric, a ceiling on anenclosure, and means for attaching the bundle to the ceiling, whereinthe animal is covered by the bundle of fabric.
 20. An apparatus asrecited in claim 19 wherein the attachment means comprises means forconnecting a mechanical safety snap.